It may take up to three years to turn bacteria, viruses or cell cultures right into a vaccine. Since vaccines are injected straight into the body, safety and purity have the highest priority in production. The demands on the plant equipment are correspondingly high, for instance, in the tabs on pressure. The PG43SA group of diaphragm pressure gauges from WIKA are tailored to this.
Designed completely in hygienic design: the diaphragm pressure gauges of the PG43SA series
Three instrument models to pick from
The hygienic instruments with flush, welded diaphragm elements are ideal for pressure monitoring in all areas of vaccine production. This applies, not only to the ?upstream? and ? Disdainful ? stations, but additionally to the support processes.
You can find three 3A and EHEDG-certified models from which to choose:
PG43SA-S
PG43SA-D with integrated diaphragm element monitoring
PG43SA-C particularly compact with back mount process connection
Which variant a user chooses, and of which point in the process, depends on their safety requirements and the installation conditions ? although the model PG43SA-S already meets a big area of the requirements for pressure monitoring.
Critical situation at a glance
The further the vaccine production progresses, the more valuable the merchandise becomes. During the ?downstream? filtration processes, the near future active ingredient is increasingly purified. Here, pressure monitoring supplies the decisive information concerning whether the filters remain working correctly or are clogging up and should be replaced. The model PG43SA-S with red limit value marking, for instance, enables a critical situation to be detected, unmistakably, at a glance.
In filtration plant, pressure monitoring can be used, among other things, to check the filter status and to draw attention to any clogging of the filter in good time.
Problem-free installation
That the compact nature of the instruments can also be important in this is illustrated by a filtration system at a vaccine manufacturer in China: in cases like this, a peristaltic pump conveys the active ingredient to the capsule filter via a hose. The challenge of the extremely cramped available space meant a small measuring instrument was required, and the model PG43SA-C met this.
The instrument could be easily attached to the hose before and after the filter because of its process connection being built-into the case ? a patented design. This measuring solution shows the operator whether the pump and filter will work normally. The PC43SA-C supplies a good plan view for this. Hence, it is also suitable for pressure monitoring in vertical pipelines.
The models in the PG43SA series, like all diaphragm pressure gauges, as a result of their mechanical principle, always reliably indicate the process pressure. They measure with high overload safety and independently of electricity. This meets the safety requirements, particularly when transporting the intermediate products and the finished vaccine. They are transported in mobile tanks from the bioreactor via chromatograph and filtration systems through to filling into ampoules.
Vaccine transport in mobile tanks is known as an especially sensitive process step. The hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges of the PG43SA series provide all of the necessary pressure information at any time, independent of electrical energy.
Multiple tasks in one application
When monitoring the pressure at the tanks, the PG43SA instruments fulfil several tasks: During transport, you should check if the pressure remains constant. That is also a leak test: a falling pressure may be due to a leaking valve or a damaged seal. After emptying the tank at the transfer point, one consider the display can determine whether there is still pressure in the tank or whether it might be opened without danger. Exactly the same pertains to pressure monitoring during tank cleaning and the pressure test before refilling.
In tank applications, in addition to the measurement quality described, another benefit of diaphragm pressure gauges involves the fore: the instruments work with a ?dry? measuring cell. This eliminates the chance of product contamination by way of a system fill fluid, as is the case with conventional diaphragm seal systems. In this manner, they prevent potential damage which could amount to millions.
Further risk minimisation
In these and similar sensitive processes, the model PG43SA-D really helps to further minimise risks to the vaccine. The instrument has an integrated diaphragm element monitor with red/white indicator. In the unlikely event that the robust measuring element should break due to extreme process conditions or rough mechanical influences, the patented monitoring function immediately reports the damage via a ?red? indicator. A second barrier in the instrument maintains the separation of process and environment.
Ideal for CIP/SIP and autoclavable
Process reliability in vaccine production includes residue-free cleaning of the equipment after each batch. Due to their hygienic design, the PG43SA diaphragm pressure gauges are suitable for CIP/SIP cleaning processes and so are all autoclavable.
Note
You can find a synopsis and technical information on the PG43SA series hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges on the WIKA website or in our flyer: ?Safe and reliable: Pressure displays in hygienic design?. You want to buy hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges? Inside our WIKA online-shop you will discover a few of our standard designs. When Gripping have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our articles
Pressure gauges for pharmaceutical processes: Flush-mounted dry measurement
Hygienic pressure gauge: IP68 with cleaning from the exterior
The following video also informs you about the PG43SA instruments: